Planet 9

Mike_in OH · #1 04-30-2009, 03:56 PM

After one DE and auto-x I've got what appears to be rubber marks from cones or from rubber throw off at the track on the lower body panels.

I've used bug and tar remover, simple green and a few others but the worse spots are the clear plastic sheets covering the lower rear rocker panels below the air intakes. It looks like the stuff has gotten into the clear plastic and I can't get it out for anything.

Any suggestions?

downshift · #2 04-30-2009, 04:35 PM

Those clear plastic sheets you mention are pretty soft and easily get scratched from cones. The paint is much harder. Cones will leave marks on the surface of the paint, which you can remove easily. Cones will embed marks deep into the plastic, which is much harder to remove. I always tape my plastic sheets because of this.

Go to your local auto parts store and get some "plastic scratch remover" product. There are a number of them. They are slightly abrasive. They should take the marks out of the plastic. Don't worry, it won't cause the plastic to haze or anything like that. Good luck.

**Santa Fe** · #3 04-30-2009, 04:38 PM

And if all else fails call them what they are; competition badges (I'm sure dave007 will have a better name...). You could change the plastic after the end of each AX season and put it down to the expense of "racing".

**PistolPete** · #4 04-30-2009, 05:51 PM

I've been able to remove similar marks using a mild polish such as 3M Imperial Hand Glaze or P21S Paintwork cleanser.

**shakeypics** · #5 04-30-2009, 05:56 PM

Clay bar might help?????

**PistolPete** · #6 04-30-2009, 06:09 PM

Careful with the clay bar on those plastic pieces! I would try the polisher first.

Worse comes to worse, I think you can find replacements for those pieces at the dealer for $30 or so (don't quote me!)

Mike_in OH · #7 04-30-2009, 06:40 PM

thanks, guys; I'll start with the plastic scratch remover and then move to the Imperial hand glaze if needed.

jxreef · #8 04-30-2009, 07:46 PM

WD-40 works on rubber and tar.

**phil@detailersdomain** · #9 04-30-2009, 11:10 PM

3m adhesive remover will work, a good bug and tar remover like Einszett Anti Insekt would work.

Make sure you put a coat of wax/sealant on after as it will strip the wax off.

**phil@detailersdomain** · #10 04-30-2009, 11:11 PM

if its embedded in there you might not be able to remove it, you might be better off replacing them , then make sure you mask it on your next event.

**Nick_USA** · #11 05-01-2009, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by phil@detailersdomain

3m adhesive remover will work, a good bug and tar remover like Einszett Anti Insekt would work.

Make sure you put a coat of wax/sealant on after as it will strip the wax off.

+1 On the 3M product but be careful using this if you have a bra fitted to the car.

***PolarPorsche*** · #12 05-01-2009, 06:46 AM

I use "GOOF OFF" to take tar and rubber scuff off the car, HPDE really marks up the front end with rubber marks. Goof off will remove anything, just make sure you use some detail spray to protect to paint afterwards.

**phil@detailersdomain** · #13 05-01-2009, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by Nick_USA

+1 On the 3M product but be careful using this if you have a bra fitted to the car.

correct.

tlambie · #14 05-01-2009, 07:45 AM

If the plan is to replace and mask them, what is the easiest and safest way to remove the original pair.

Tim

**phil@detailersdomain** · #15 05-01-2009, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by tlambie

If the plan is to replace and mask them, what is the easiest and safest way to remove the original pair.

Tim

let the car sit in the sun or use a blow dryer to warm it up, then slowly pull off.

then clean it up the adhesive with 3m adhesive remover or the like, make sure all of that is off. Prep by polishing anything that needs to be then with an iso alcohol mix clean up the area, reapply film per the instructions.

**Chris(NJ)** · #16 05-01-2009, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by tlambie

If the plan is to replace and mask them, what is the easiest and safest way to remove the original pair.

Tim

Originally Posted by phil@detailersdomain

let the car sit in the sun or use a blow dryer to warm it up, then slowly pull off.

then clean it up the adhesive with 3m adhesive remover or the like, make sure all of that is off. Prep by polishing anything that needs to be then with an iso alcohol mix clean up the area, reapply film per the instructions.

Agreed^^